Grace Poe: Economic growth unfelt by many Filipinos

Even as the country achieved remarkable economic growth in the last five years, Sen. Grace Poe said this growth has not been truly inclusive as many Filipinos remain deprived of the benefits of progress.
Speaking before members of the Makabayan bloc, Poe said the unemployment rate, lack of access to health care and education, rural poverty, and the sad plight of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) all point to a need for a government that will include all sectors in economic development and welcome people participation in decision-making.
“Tayo raw ngayon ay pumapang-apat sa mga bansang may pinakamabilis na lumagong ekonomiya sa buong mundo, kasunod ng naglalakihang bansa-ang Tsina, Qatar at India… Ngunit ang paglagong ito ay hindi pa rin maramdaman ng mga karaniwang Pilipino dahil mababa ang pasahod sa mga manggagawa at marami ang walang trabaho,” Poe said.
While the economy grew by nearly seven percent, the Philippines still has one of the highest unemployment rates in Southeast Asia, with nine million Filipinos jobless, according to the SWS.
Of the Filipinos who do find jobs abroad, almost 7,000 are in jail, 88 of them in death row, Poe said.
The Makabayan bloc, composed of Bayan Muna, Anakpawis, Gabriela Women’s Partylist, ACT Teachers, Kabataan, Piston, Migrante, Sulong Katribu, Courage and Suara Bangsamoro, represents many of the country’s marginalized sectors.
“Ang pangarap ko ay magkaroon ang bawat Pilipino ng ganap at produktibong buhay; isang pamumuhay na may dignidad; at ang pagkakataong lumaki at tumanda sa maunlad, mapayapa at ligtas na komunidad,” she said.
Poe, who declared her presidential bid on Sept. 16, said her dream for all Filipinos is anchored on three pillars: pursuing genuine inclusive growth, installing a transparent and honest government that respects human rights, and building a culture of excellence and global competitiveness.
“Sa aking nabanggit na mga istratehiya, ang pinaka-importante ay ang pagsugpo sa kahirapan at pagsulong ng ingklusibong pag-unlad. Ang ibig sabihin ng ingklusibong pag-unlad ay ang bawat isang Pilipino ay may pagkakataon na sumabay at makinabang sa pag-yaman o pag-unlad ng bansa,” she said.
Poe said she would focus on growing the industry sector and aiding the agricultural sector, which has been neglected for so long.
She lamented that the Philippines has no comprehensive program for industrialization or sufficient support for local industries.
“Isang malaking kakulangan ito, na siya sana ang maaring makapagbibigay ng mga trabaho, at magiging daan upang maranasan ng lahat ang pag-unlad,” Poe said.